Nanoparticles in Consumer Cleaning Products Re-Suspend and Rise to Person’s Breathing Zone, May Contribute to Indoor Air Pollution [Study]

Scientists are concerned about the presence of nanoparticles in cleaning products. They warned that they could contribute to indoor air pollution and that children might be at risk after the spray settles.

Nanoparticles May Contribute To Indoor Air Pollution

Silver, copper, and zinc nanomaterials are frequently found in well-known home items, such as hairsprays, cleansers, and disinfectants. When these particles are present "in bulk," they behave substantially differently from the metals. For instance, they might be more magnetic, more reactive chemically, or better at carrying heat and electricity. The issue is that their potential toxicity may surpass their large counterparts, casting doubt on their possible effects on human health.

In a new study, researchers learned that nanomaterials resuspended in the air after they settled. Per Gediminas Mainelis, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, who has been studying nanosubstances for decades, there is limited knowledge about nanoparticle exposure and how it can impact our health.

The researchers learned that if an adult moves around a room, some of these deposited particles will be resuspended in the atmosphere and ascend to the level of the person's breathing zone. A child playing on the floor inhales more since more particles are in greater concentrations near the ground.

Their findings demonstrated the re-suspension of these particles into a "person's breathing zone." They revealed that, in contrast to vinyl flooring, carpet flooring discharged a noticeably higher concentration of these particles.

This work may clarify the resulting exposures and aid in future research on lowering human exposure. Mainelis clarified that we can apply this knowledge to reduce our exposures, in this example, to different nanomaterials.

Even though it's unknown how big of a health danger these nanoscale metals are for people, Mainelis said that studies like this one are still necessary to raise people's awareness of the particulate matter that may be in their own homes.

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Green Cleaning Products Not Better Option For Indoor Air Quality

"Green" cleaning solutions contain the same quantity of harmful compounds as ordinary ones, which can harm one's health, according to York University experts in the United Kingdom. They looked at both conventional and eco-friendly cleaning solutions' volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

They discovered that compared to traditional cleaners, these so-called green cleaners emitted more monoterpenes. Monoterpenes are chemicals found in essential oils that are frequently derived from plants. However, when these materials are used around the house, they can release harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and peroxyacetyl nitrate, which are also released by burning fossil fuels, driving, and smoking cigarettes.

Scientists already knew several common household cleaning products contained these hazardous substances. Green cleaning products are becoming increasingly popular because they are believed to be healthier for both the environment and people.

However, the pollutants from those cleaning products have the potential to significantly harm household members, especially the sick and elderly. These secondary pollutants can cause respiratory difficulties and irritate the skin, nose, eyes, and throat.

Extended exposure to formaldehyde has the potential to increase the risk of cancer.

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